Styling Wedding Invites: Tips For A Perfect Announcement

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse into the aesthetic of your big day, so it's important to choose a design that reflects the look and feel of your wedding. Whether you're going for a traditional or modern style, there are endless ways to style your invitations and make them unique. From the paper type to the font and colour palette, there are many elements to consider when designing your wedding invitations. In this guide, we'll cover everything from choosing the right size and shape to adding personal touches and coordinating with your wedding website. We'll also discuss the timing of sending out your invitations and offer tips on assembling and mailing them. So, get ready to dive into the world of wedding invitation styling!

Choosing a theme and style

Define Your Style

Start by considering your wedding theme. Is it traditional, whimsical, bohemian, rustic, modern, or vintage? Once you have a general theme in mind, you can start to think about the specific design elements that will reflect your style. This might include colour palettes, typography, and other stylistic flourishes. If you're stuck for ideas, browse online galleries or seek inspiration from your wedding venue, dress, or florals.

Choose a Colour Scheme

Decide on a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme. You might opt for neutral tones, pastels, or bright and bold hues. Try to use colours that you will also carry into your wedding décor, such as table settings, signage, and other stationery. This will create a cohesive look for your special day.

Select Your Typeface

The font you choose for your wedding invitations can make a big impact. While scripts are popular for traditional designs, modern couples might opt for something more contemporary. Choose a typeface that works well with the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, and any other important information.

Incorporate Visual Elements

Visual elements such as illustrations, borders, and motifs can add a unique touch to your invitations. Consider using florals, geometric designs, or destination-inspired imagery. You might also include custom crests, monograms, or other personalised details. These visual elements can also be carried through to other wedding stationery, such as RSVP cards, menus, and place cards.

Don't Forget the Details

In addition to the design elements, there are a few other important details to consider when choosing the theme and style of your wedding invitations. Firstly, think about the wording. The language you use can set the tone for your wedding, whether it's formal, casual, or whimsical. You'll also need to include key information such as the hosts' names, the wedding announcement, location, timing details, and RSVP date. Finally, don't forget to include a link to your wedding website or registry, so guests can find more information.

Selecting a size and printer

Pick a Size

First, consider the size of your wedding invitations. The standard size is 5" x 7", but you can also find invitations in other sizes, such as 5" x 5" or 4" x 6". If you opt for a non-standard size, keep in mind that you may need to pay extra postage.

Choose a Printer

Next, you'll need to decide whether you want to print your invitations online or use a local print shop. If you're looking for special printing techniques like letterpress or foiling, make sure to choose a printer that can accommodate your requests. Not all print shops offer the same services, so it's important to do your research.

Get a Print Template

Once you've selected a printer, ask them for a print template. This will provide you with the exact specifications for your invitations, including shape, size, bleed, and safe printing areas. Having this information will make the design process much easier.

Envelopes

Don't forget to confirm that you can get envelopes for your invitations. Some printers may include envelopes, while others may require you to purchase them separately. Make sure the envelopes are the correct size and that they match the style of your invitations.

Proofread and Finalise

Before finalising your design, take the time to proofread all the information, including names, dates, times, and locations. Double-check that your design fits within the printable area of the template and that all fonts and images are legible and clear.

Order Extras

It's always a good idea to order a few extra invitations in case of mistakes or last-minute guest additions. Ordering extras will also allow you to keep some invitations as keepsakes. Don't forget to order extra envelopes and any other inserts you may need, such as RSVP cards or accommodation details.

Adding illustrations and photos

Choose Meaningful Images:

Select images that represent you as a couple and tell your love story. This could include photos of you both, hand-drawn illustrations, or even custom crests. If you have a venue in mind, consider adding a venue illustration, which can be a fun and unique way to showcase the setting of your wedding.

Play with Colours and Themes:

Think about the colour scheme and theme of your wedding, and try to incorporate these into your invitations. You can use floral illustrations, nature-inspired motifs, or even a sketch of your wedding venue to add a creative touch. Colour-blocking is also a fun way to add interest to your invitations, and you can choose colours that reflect your personality or the season of your wedding.

Embellish with Details:

Add some extra flair to your invitations with ribbons, wax seals, envelope liners, or gold leaf details. These small touches can elevate the overall look and feel of your invitations. You can also use textured paper or add a geode-inspired print for an edgy, earthy feel.

Use High-Quality Images:

Ensure that any photos or illustrations you use are of high resolution, preferably 300 dpi or higher. This will ensure that your invitations look crisp and clear when printed.

Consider Placement:

You can choose to feature your illustrations or photos directly on the invitation, or you can opt for a cleaner look by placing them on a save-the-date card, envelope liner, or detail card. This allows you to keep your invitation simple while still including a special touch.

Use Online Tools and Templates:

There are many online tools and templates available that can help you design your invitations, such as Adobe Express, Canva, Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle. These platforms offer customizable templates, design tools, and the ability to upload your own photos.

Remember, your wedding invitations are a reflection of you and your partner, so have fun and get creative!

RSVP cards and envelopes

RSVP cards are an important part of the wedding invitation process. They help finalise your guest list, catering numbers, and seating arrangements. You can also use them to collect information about your guests' dietary requirements or song preferences for the reception.

When creating RSVP cards, you should include a blank line for guests to write their names. You can indicate that guests should include their honorific (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss) by writing an "M" at the start of the line. It is also important to include a line for guests to accept or decline the invitation, which can be formatted as checkboxes, fill-in-the-blank lines, or circling options.

Additionally, you may want to include meal options and a fill-in-the-blank line for guests to detail any dietary restrictions. A special request line can also be included, such as song requests or drink preferences.

RSVP cards should be sent out with the wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. It is recommended to set an RSVP deadline of around 4 weeks before the wedding to give you enough time to finalise the details. You can include this deadline on the RSVP card, making it prominent and easy to see.

When it comes to addressing the RSVP envelopes, you have the option to add each guest's name to the card itself, providing a personal touch. The envelopes for the RSVP cards should be addressed to the person handling the RSVPs, which could be the couple, their parents, wedding planner, or someone in the wedding party. It is also recommended to include a stamp on each envelope for your guests' convenience.

If you prefer a digital response, you can include a link to your wedding website or use a QR code instead of a physical RSVP card. This can be particularly useful if you want to limit responses or communicate specific information, such as an adults-only wedding.

Overall, RSVP cards are a great way to collect essential information from your guests and finalise the details for your big day.

Enclosure cards

Types of Enclosure Cards

The types of enclosure cards you include will depend on the specific details you need to convey to your guests. Here are some common types of enclosure cards to consider:

• Reception Card: If your reception is at a different location from the ceremony, this card will provide the time, venue name, and address.
• Response/RSVP Card: This card asks guests to respond and specify if they are attending. It usually includes an RSVP deadline and entree choices.
• Accommodation Card: This card provides hotel information, such as a hotel block or group rate, or a list of recommended hotels in the area.
• Attire Card: This card gives guests information about the dress code, especially if there are any special requirements or suggestions, such as a beach or themed wedding.
• Direction Card: Direction cards provide official instructions on how to get to the wedding venue, with directions from different starting points.
• Map Card: A map card can be helpful if you have multiple events at different locations, giving guests a visual overview of where each event is located.
• Wedding Website Card: This card can include the URL to your wedding website and a summary of what guests can find there.

What to Include in Enclosure Cards

When it comes to the content of your enclosure cards, here are some key things to include:

• Reception Details: If your reception is at a different site, provide the venue name and address, and the start time (or note that it will follow the ceremony). You can also include parking and transportation instructions.
• Response/RSVP Information: Include an RSVP deadline, space for guests to write their names, and entree options. If using a wedding website for RSVPs, instruct guests to RSVP there and provide the deadline.
• Accommodation and Hotel Information: Provide hotel recommendations or details of any hotel blocks or group rates. Include a link to your wedding website for more information.
• Transportation Details: Specify any provided transportation, such as shuttle schedules and pick-up times, especially if the ceremony and reception locations differ.
• Directions and Location Information: Give driving instructions from different directions and provide the venue name and address. A map card can also be helpful.
• Dress Code Information: Specify any special attire requirements or suggestions, such as beach-friendly clothing or a themed dress code.

Remember, you don't want to overwhelm your guests with too many enclosure cards, so aim for no more than three. For additional details, direct guests to your wedding website.

Design and Styling

Proofing and Printing

Don't forget to proofread your enclosure cards carefully to ensure all the essential information is included and there are no errors. You may also want to consider ordering a small batch of samples to check the colour and paper quality before placing a larger order.

Finally, assemble your invitation suite, including the enclosure cards, and choose your envelope and postage options. Hand-cancelling your invitations at the post office can help ensure they are handled with care.

Frequently asked questions